What is the STSRP?
Current treatment of STS is limited primarily to surgical procedures (e.g., removing the tumour), with selective use of radiation therapy and conventional chemotherapy in some subtypes of the disease. Unfortunately, these treatment options are limited in their effectiveness and better understanding of STS to improve patient outcomes is needed. Our group has a variety of ongoing initiatives to understand STS and to help improve the lives of patients diagnosed with this type of cancer.
GI Sarcoma Database
Since STS is a rare cancer, most of the knowledge about the natural
history of these tumours has been generated by following individual
patient outcomes over time. Therefore, our team has built a database to
house information on STS patients seen at Mount Sinai Hospital. This
database is an essential tool for the STS team to better understand this
challenging disease, thereby improving patient quality of life in the
coming years.
Sarcoma Cell Line Biorepository
A significant challenge researchers face is the lack of laboratory
models that can be used to study STS. Our program is building a
“biorepository” of many STS subtypes with the aspiration of supplying
researchers with quality in vitro models to examine the genetics of this
cancer. These in vitro models will be a powerful tool to translate
original laboratory research into better treatment options for STS
patients.
Translational Research Laboratory
Our translational research group is fundamental to understanding the
genetic and molecular events that are the driving force behind this type
of cancer. We are actively investigating the underlying reasons as to
why some STS subtypes can withstand current cancer chemotherapy
treatments. If we can better understand why STS can evade current
treatments we will be able to develop novel treatments to fight this
terrible affliction.
Questions about STSRP?
For more information or to make a donation to STSRP, please contact:
Harini Suraweera
Email: Harini.Suraweera@sinaihealth.ca
More info about the Sarcoma Program at Mount Sinai Hospital: